Re: Rhaspy Cat

["Rick H. Louie" <rlouie@usa.net>]

Grant Lenahan wrote:
> 
> Peter sez:
> 
> >>I've been hearing this raspy noise sounding like a loose heat shield
> coming from my exhaust system for a while and decided to look at it this
> weekend. Turns out that it seems to coming from inside the catalytic
> converter and can even be heard at idle if you are outside the car.
> Also, if you hit the side of the converter with your hand with the
> engine not running, you can hear what seems to be something loose in
> there.
> 
> Anybody ever seen anything like this before? Does it mean I need a new
> converter? Seems strange because the car only has 40K miles on it.
> 
> TIA.
> Peter<<
> 
> Peter:
> 
> I have one doing the same thing -- albeit at 107k.
> Mine began rattling about 20k ago, then sent relatively quiet.
> Now its coming back.
> 
> Here's the scoop:  a cat is a honeycomb of surface area inside a metal case.
> The honeycomb is breaking down (strange for 40k) and litterally rattling around
> inside the chamber.  The major worry is that the loose pieces will lodge and
> block your exhaust.
> 
> You don't say what model car you have, but my 90q20v has one costly cat -- thus
> I have
> done nothing (yet).  KLet me know if you find either a good aftermarket source
> or a
> rebuilder.
> 
> BTW- the federal government insists that the emissions hgardware be warranted
> for 50k
> on older models, 100k on newer.  Either way, you may have a new feline coming
> your way.
> Document it and move fast!!
> 
> Grant
My mechanic took a hammer to my cat/conv at about 80K when it started
rattling and basically tightned up the sides so the honey comb wouldn't
move any more.  I now have 124,700 on my car and hasn't made a rattle
since using the hammer.
-- 
Rick H. Louie
rlouie@usa.net
1984 Coupe GT - Zermatt Silver, Chocolate Brown Leatherette, 124K